What do I say?

You can't tell by looking.

Open the door to conversation.

Signs and symptoms:

(Note: please screen EVERY Mom; pediatric and primary care providers, please also screen every Dad/partner. Remember, perinatal mood disorders are the #1 health complication related to pregnancy and postpartum. We MUST normalize the conversation about the existence/occurrence.

This is NOT an exhaustive list of symptoms. Please call us if you are interested in ACPMHC doing a training for you and your staff.)

From mild TO severe:

sadness that lightens easily TO continuous sadness and misery
occasionally feeling "edgy" and tense TO unrelenting dread/anguish/panic
slight difficulty getting to sleep TO less than two or three hours of sleep
slightly reduced appetite TO has to be persuaded to eat
repetitive negative/scary intrusive thoughts about baby's well-being, health/well-being of her/himself or others
occasional difficulty in concentrating TO unable to read or carry conversation without great initiative and effort
mild difficulty doing daily activities TO unable to do daily activities without assistance
reduced interest in surroundings & friends TO emotionally paralyzed; inability to feel anger, grief, pleasure
mild thoughts of inferiority TO delusions of ruin, remorse or unredeemable sin
fleeting suicidal thoughts TO history of severe depression and current preparations/plans for suicide

To remember:

The "baby blues" are a normal hormonal adjustment to post-delivery. Mood lability should be MILD and easily resolved without special intervention. This should not last more than 12 days maximum.

IF symptoms are more than mild- it's NOT the "baby blues." If symptoms are mild or greater and persist outside of 12 days- it's MORE than the "baby blues."

Suggested ways to open the door to conversation:

(Note: these are suggestions- the focus is creating space for your patient (or your patient's caregiver) to receive care and understand she/he is not alone or to blame for experiencing emotional distress. This is KEY to connecting with your patient's potential emotional health needs.)

Emotional health complications are very common during and after pregnancy; in fact, they are more common than many other physical health conditions. We want to help support your total health.
We ask each parent to answer a questionnaire and then have an opportunity for a conversation. There are no WRONG answers and no one "fails" the questionnaire.
Being pregnant/Being a parent is challenging for most of us, and every parent deserves support. Do you have any concerns you'd like us to talk about?
Experiencing emotional distress does not mean you aren't a good (mom/dad/spouse, etc.). Help and support are available.
Taking care of yourself is important for fulfilling your other roles.
I can see that you are very excited about being pregnant; is there anything you are concerned or worried about?
Being a parent it often helps to have a good support system, can you share who may be part of yours?
As adults, we often put on our "happy face" to deal with stress in our lives. I want you to know we welcome the opportunity to talk about both the positive and the challenges you may be experiencing.
Experiencing emotional distress is nothing to be ashamed of; it is easily treated and we will connect you with the right care and support.
It sounds like you are having many strong feelings, support is available. I would like to talk more about the way you've been feeling (questions here regarding any current intention to harm self or others- versus negative intrusive thoughts; active plan ?; means to carry plans out; history of suicide attempts?)
IF concerns about parent or baby safety (note: follow your existing crisis protocols)- "You and baby deserve for you to feel well. Let's talk about ways we can support you.

The ACPMHC does not provide crisis services. We can help you find a qualified referral source.

CRISIS NUMBERS:

Alachua County Crisis Center (352) 264-6789

National suicide prevention hotline (800) 273-8255

You can't tell by looking.

Open the door to conversation.

Signs and symptoms:

​(Note: please screen EVERY Mom; pediatric and primary care providers, please also screen every Dad/partner. Remember, perinatal mood disorders are the #1 health complication related to pregnancy and postpartum. We MUST normalize the conversation about the existence/occurrence.

This is NOT an exhaustive list of symptoms. Please call us if you are interested in ACPMHC doing a training for you and your staff.)

From mild TO severe:

sadness that lightens easily TO continuous sadness and misery

occasionally feeling "edgy" and tense TO unrelenting dread/anguish/panic

slight difficulty getting to sleep TO less than two or three hours of sleep

slightly reduced appetite TO has to be persuaded to eat

repetitive negative/scary intrusive thoughts about baby's well-being, health/well-being of her/himself or others

occasional difficulty in concentrating TO unable to read or carry conversation without great initiative and effort

mild difficulty doing daily activities TO unable to do daily activities without assistance

reduced interest in surroundings & friends TO emotionally paralyzed; inability to feel anger, grief, pleasure

mild thoughts of inferiority TO delusions of ruin, remorse or unredeemable sin

fleeting suicidal thoughts TO history of severe depression and current preparations/plans for suicide

​

To remember:

The "baby blues" are a normal hormonal adjustment to post-delivery. Mood lability should be MILD and easily resolved without special intervention. This should not last more than 12 days maximum.

IF symptoms are more than mild- it's NOT the "baby blues." If symptoms are mild or greater and persist outside of 12 days- it's MORE than the "baby blues."

Suggested ways to open the door to conversation:

(Note: these are suggestions- the focus is creating space for your patient (or your patient's caregiver) to receive care and understand she/he is not alone or to blame for experiencing emotional distress. This is KEY to connecting with your patient's potential emotional health needs.)

​

Emotional health complications are very common during and after pregnancy; in fact, they are more common than many other physical health conditions. We want to help support your total health.

We ask each parent to answer a questionnaire and then have an opportunity for a conversation. There are no WRONG answers and no one "fails" the questionnaire.

Being pregnant/Being a parent is challenging for most of us, and every parent deserves support. Do you have any concerns you'd like us to talk about?

Experiencing emotional distress does not mean you aren't a good (mom/dad/spouse, etc.). Help and support are available.

Taking care of yourself is important for fulfilling your other roles.

I can see that you are very excited about being pregnant; is there anything you are concerned or worried about?

Being a parent it often helps to have a good support system, can you share who may be part of yours?

As adults, we often put on our "happy face" to deal with stress in our lives. I want you to know we welcome the opportunity to talk about both the positive and the challenges you may be experiencing.

Experiencing emotional distress is nothing to be ashamed of; it is easily treated and we will connect you with the right care and support.

IF concerns about parent or baby safety (note: follow your existing crisis protocols)- "You and baby deserve for you to feel well. Let's talk about ways we can support you.

The ACPMHC does not provide crisis services. We can help you find a qualified referral source.

CRISIS NUMBERS:

Alachua County Crisis Center (352) 264-6789

National suicide prevention hotline (800) 273-8255

(Note: please screen EVERY Mom; pediatric and primary care providers, please also screen every Dad/partner. Remember, perinatal mood disorders are the #1 health complication related to pregnancy and postpartum. We MUST normalize the conversation about the existence/occurrence.